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The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) has released its Personal Interview (PI) shortlist 2026 for the PGP/MBA batch 2026–28. Candidates who appeared in CAT 2025 and meet the institute’s shortlisting criteria can now check their PI/WAT call status online. IIM Lucknow’s admission process is one of the earliest to begin among the IIMs, and making the shortlist is a crucial step toward securing an admission offer.
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What Does the IIM Lucknow Call Mean?
An IIM Lucknow call means you are shortlisted for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. These rounds follow the CAT result announcement and determine final admission offers based on a composite evaluation of academic and interview performance.
How Shortlisting Works
IIM Lucknow shortlists candidates for WAT and PI based on multiple factors, including:
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CAT 2025 score and percentiles
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Academic profile (10th, 12th, graduation)
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Work experience (if any)
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Diversity factors (gender, academic discipline)
The institute uses a composite score that weighs CAT performance more heavily alongside these additional criteria.
Expected CAT 2025 Cut-offs for IIM Lucknow Calls 2026
According to official trends and latest admission updates:
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General: ~90 percentile overall, with 85+ sectional percentiles
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EWS / NC-OBC: ~82 overall
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SC: ~65 overall
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ST / PwD: ~60 overall
Sectional minimums (VARC, DILR, QA) are also expected around the mid-80s for general category.
Note: These cut-offs are qualifying thresholds. Meeting them helps you get shortlisted, but the final PI list is based on composite evaluation.
How to Check Your IIM Lucknow Call Online
Follow these steps:
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Visit the official IIM Lucknow admissions portal
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Go to the PGP Admission Login section.
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Log in using your CAT 2025 registration ID and password.
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Find the WAT/PI shortlist status.
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If selected, download or save the call letter for future rounds.
Shortlisted candidates typically receive details via email as well.
What’s Next After the Call?
Once shortlisted:
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Fill the WAT/PI registration or expression of interest as instructed.
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Prepare for WAT (essay writing) — usually involves analytical writing on current topics.
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Prepare for the Personal Interview — expect questions on academics, goals, CAT preparation, work experience (if any), and general awareness.
The WAT-PI process at IIM Lucknow is usually scheduled in February 2026, with final selection announcements in March–April 2026.
Key Dates (Expected Timeline)
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| CAT 2025 Result | 24 December 2025 |
| IIM Lucknow PI Shortlist 2026 | January 10, 2026 |
| WAT/PI Round | February 2026 |
| Final Merit & Admission Offers | March – April 2026 |
Candidates should check the official IIM Lucknow website frequently for exact dates and deadlines.
Tips to Prepare for WAT & PI
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WAT: Focus on structuring your thoughts clearly. Practice essay writing on topics related to business, economy, policy and societal issues.
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PI: Brush up on your academics, CAT strategy, current affairs, and personal profile. Be confident and communicate clearly.
Success in these rounds often improves your final ranking significantly.
Conclusion
IIM Lucknow’s 2026 PI shortlist is officially out based on CAT 2025 performance and other profile factors. Shortlisted candidates should complete all registration steps and begin focused preparation for WAT and interviews. Making the PI list is a big step toward securing a seat at one of India’s leading management institutes, but strong performance in the next stages will determine your final admission offer.
Frequently asked questions
1. When were IIM Lucknow MBA 2026 calls released?
IIM Lucknow released MBA 2026 calls after the declaration of CAT 2025 results.
2. What CAT percentile is required for an IIM Lucknow call?
Candidates must clear overall and sectional CAT cut-offs, which vary by category and are generally high.
3. Does receiving a call from IIM Lucknow guarantee admission?
No. A call only means shortlisting for the interview stage, not final admission.
4. What is the next step after getting an IIM Lucknow call?
Shortlisted candidates must appear for the Personal Interview (PI) and other evaluation stages as notified.
5. Does IIM Lucknow conduct WAT or only PI?
IIM Lucknow primarily evaluates candidates through the Personal Interview, along with profile-based assessment.
6. When are IIM Lucknow interviews usually conducted?
Interviews are generally held between February and March.
7. What factors are considered for final selection at IIM Lucknow?
Final selection depends on CAT score, PI performance, academic profile, work experience, and diversity factors.
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